Sowing at fortnightly intervals from late summer to late autumn, 13mm (0.5in) deep in rows 15cm (6in) apart.
Thin out seedlings when large enough to handle to 10cm (4in) apart.
Water the young plants during dry spells.
Start by pulling up every other plant and then pick a few of the outer leaves from the remaining plants.
‘Baval’ AGM - Mid-green, medium-leaved; good flavour. Made good growth and remained free of disease under frames.
‘Cavallo’ AGM - Long-leaved traditional type; gives a good yield under frames.
‘Medaillon’ AGM - Slow-growing, short, thick- leaved under frames.
Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails feed on emerging and mature leaves.
Remedy: Non-chemical controls including watering in nematodes at sowing or planting use pellets based on ferric phosphate.
More information on slugs
More information on snails